Ever fancied popping over to another country for lunch and being back in London before bed time?
Then you need to tap into one of the biggest travel trends Brits have embraced in 2024 - extreme day tripping.
If you’re based in, or travelling out of London, popping off on an extreme day trip abroad could be the challenge your adventurous, spontaneous side can’t resist.
Forget weekend breaks - extreme day trips abroad are about maximizing the thrill, packing in the sights and beating the clock.
Not to mention collecting snaps of the most Insta-worthy attractions, foods and sights to share on social media.
Ideas: Extreme Day Trips Abroad from London to Europe
From a low-commitment hours’ flight across the Irish Sea right through to three hours in the air each way - here's a roundup of the wildest one-day European escapades you can tackle. (All info is based on flying from London airports and flight/travel times are approximate).
1. Paris: The Classic Dash
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes (Eurostar)
- Best for: Foodies and art lovers on a mission
Yes, Paris. It’s a cliché, but for a good reason. Catch the 05:40 Eurostar and you can be sipping an espresso at la Maison Rose, à la Emily in Paris, by lunch time.
You could stroll down the banks of the Seine, sneak in a selfie with Mona, munch some macarons at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and be back on the train by 6pm.
Don’t forget your Airalo eSIM for instant uploads of your croissant chronicles.
Top tip: Book tickets to major attractions online in advance, or risk spending half of your extreme day trip in a queue.
2. Bergamo: Italian Hidden Gem
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 2 hours (flight)
- Best for: Art lovers and foodies craving an authentic vibe
Milan gets all the attention, but nearby Bergamo is an Italian dream in a day.
Take the funicular up to Città Alta (Old Town), explore the Venetian walls and devour fresh pasta with a view. It's Italy, so even a quick trip feels luxurious.
Don’t miss: The sunset over Piazza Vecchia. Worth every rushed step.
3. Tirana: Albania's Rising Star
Author's Image
- Travel time: 3 hours (flight)
- Best for: Culture vultures and urban adventurers
Tirana is Albania’s buzzing capital, full of colour and surprises.
Explore Skanderbeg Square, visit the Bunk'Art museums for a dose of Cold War history, take a ride on the cable car and sip strong coffee in a hip Blloku café.
You'll wish you had more time - but you’ll be back.
Hidden gem: The Pyramid of Tirana. Climb it if you dare (it's allowed).
4. Dublin: Guinness-Powered Daycation
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes (flight)
- Best for: Beer enthusiasts and literary buffs
A short hop across the Irish Sea, Dublin offers a compact city centre perfect for extreme day trips from London.
Tour the Guinness Storehouse, snap photos at Temple Bar, absorb the literary history at Trinity College and pay homage to Oscar Wilde at his memorial sculpture.
By nightfall, you’ll be back home humming Irish folk songs and regaling friends with stories.
Insider note: Flights are cheap. Your self-control at the Guinness Storehouse may not be.
5. Bremen: Fairytales and Food
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes (flight)
- Best for: Storybook fans and history lovers
This northern German city packs a fairytale punch. Wander the Schnoor district’s winding lanes, cruise the Weser River and snap a pic with the Bremen Town Musicians statue, a sculpture inspired by a story from Grimm's Fairy Tales.
And don’t leave without trying some of the local bites, including the specialty Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage).
Highlight: The UNESCO-listed Town Hall. Even in a rush, it’s unforgettable.
6. Palma: Sun-Kissed Sprint
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 2 hours 25 minutes (flight)
- Best for: Beach lovers needing a quick fix
Although they’re renowned for a reason, Palma isn’t just about its beaches.
Explore the Gothic La Seu Cathedral, wander the old town and enjoy a quick dip in the Med. A slice of ensaimada pastry is non-negotiable.
Top tip: Pack your swimsuit. No one regrets a spontaneous beach stop.
7. Milan: Fashion and Espresso Dash
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 2 hours (flight)
- Best for: Fashionistas and espresso lovers
Milan’s buzz is palpable. Zip through the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, snap the obligatory photo in front of the Duomo and, if you’re really moving, peek at The Last Supper. Finish with a killer espresso.
Shortcut: Skip the line for Duomo rooftop tickets by booking online.
8. Faro: Algarve Flash Visit
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 2 hours 50 minutes (flight)
- Best for: Sun-seekers and seafood lovers
Faro’s whitewashed streets and coastal charm are perfect for a quick Algarve hit. Explore the old town, take a boat ride through the Ria Formosa lagoon and stuff your face with grilled sardines.
Pro tip: Faro is the gateway to some of Europe’s best beaches - perfect for grabbing inspiration for a longer trip.
9. Vienna: Classical Sprint
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 2 hours 10 minutes (flight)
- Best for: Culture lovers and coffee connoisseurs
Vienna in a day? Challenge accepted. See the Hofburg Palace, marvel at St. Stephen's Cathedral and refuel with sachertorte at Café Central. It’s a whirlwind, but worth every calorie.
Must-see: The Belvedere Museum’s Klimt collection. Fast-track tickets are a lifesaver.
10. Budapest: Spa and Dash
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes (flight)
- Best for: Spa lovers and architecture admirers
Hit the ground running in Budapest. Stroll across the Chain Bridge, marvel at the Parliament building and unwind at Széchenyi Thermal Baths. A soak in those steamy pools is the perfect day-trip finale.
Hot tip: If you have time, pop into Szimpla Kert, the oldest ruin bar in the city. Its crumbling walls and graffiti’d furniture are a sight in themselves.
11. Bucharest: A Balkan Surprise
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 3 hours (flight)
- Best for: Urban adventurers and history buffs
Bucharest is a gritty, glorious mix of old and new. Aside from heading to extreme day trippers’ favourite spot, the magnificent Therme spa, there’s plenty to do here.
Check out the Palace of the Parliament, wander through the Old Town, visit the compact Museum of Communism and grab a quick bite of mititei (grilled sausages).
Insider pick: The umbrella street in Pasajul Victoria is Instagram gold.
12. Poznań: Thermal Sprint
Adobe Free Stock
- Travel time: 2 hours (flight)
- Best for: Spa lovers and medieval history fans
Poznań is an often-overlooked Polish gem. Stroll through the colourful Old Market Square and head straight to Termy Maltańskie, one of Europe’s largest water parks. Thermal baths and slides? Yes, please.
Don’t miss: The mechanical goats on the Town Hall clock at noon. Weirdly charming.
Stay Connected with Airalo eSIMs
Whether you’re live-streaming your sprint through Vienna or navigating the streets of Tirana, staying connected is key.
Airalo’s travel eSIMs are a game-changer for extreme day trips abroad.
No physical SIM swaps, no hefty roaming fees, just download, install and go.
Ready to take on Europe in a day? Grab your eSIM, pack light and go extreme.
